At Work

Regulations and Best Management Practices (BMP) for Stormwater, Wastewater, Septic Systems and other Liquid Waste

As owners and operators of local industries, businesses and institutions within the capital region we play a key role in its economic, social and environmental health. Businesses play a role in how clean the water is when it returns to the environment, whether as rain through drains in the stormwater system, or as wastewater through your septic or sanitary sewer system. These actions not only protect the environment but your property.

The following CRD services offer a wide range of tips, educational and regulatory tools and other resources to help you take action.

Sewer Use

Although wastewater infrastructure and treatment is primarily designed for human biological waste, Regional Source Control program (RSCP) staff recognize that some types of process waste (non-domestic waste) can be discharged to sanitary sewer. Non-domestic waste is regulated under the CRD Bylaw 2922 - Sewer Use Bylaw.

The RSCP provides resources to help owners and operators meet bylaw requirements in a cost effective way, including tools for specific sector types, larger individual industry or institutions, and general businesses. Read more >>

Septic System Maintenance

There are over 26,000 septic systems in capital region. Some of the septic systems serve businesses. The Onsite Wastewater Management program provides both regulatory and educational resources for those inside and outside the bylaw area. Resources include videos, information kits and brochures to help system owners get the most out of their septic system. Read more >>

Preventing Sewer Backups

There are many actions we can take, including source control and septic system maintenance, to prevent sewer back-ups. Having your sewer lateral inspected helps identify issues before a backup occurs. Issues can include cracked pipes, root intrusion, cross connection and blockages. Identifying and addressing these issues will not only protect your business property and operations but it will also protect the environment and reduce wastewater treatment costs. Read more >>

Managing Stormwater

The CRD works to protect watercourses, municipal infrastructure, and nearshore marine environments from stormwater contamination. One of the means of achieving this goal is the development of regulatory compliance tools, such as bylaws and codes of practice, and non-regulatory best management practices. Read more >>

Offsite Treatment and Trucked Liquid Waste

Not all liquid waste should go down a drain. Using an offsite facility designed to handle industrial liquid waste is an effective and common way of reducing costs and complying with environmental regulations. As a business owner or operator you remain responsible for ensuring proper disposal and the transportation of waste to a disposal or treatment facility. The CRD Trucked Liquid Waste program offers tips and tools to help you in the safe and proper transportation of waste. Read more >>

What is the CRD?

The CRD is a local government that delivers 200+ local, regional and sub-regional services for residents of the region, including 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24 member Board of Directors, the CRD is working to serve the public, and build a vibrant, livable and sustainable region.